Career Advancement: Are You Ready To Be Promoted?

Promotion is one of those things almost everyone wants after a successful job search. But no one is bold enough to ask for it.

If you’re determined to get ahead after a successful job search and are willing to follow some simple steps, you can move the odds of a promotion significantly in your favor. vacancy

1. Under NO circumstances do you ever ask for a promotion!

2. Get yourself a mentor. Someone a level or two above you that you feel comfortable with . . . with whom you can talk and get advice.

3. Determine the factors that go into promotions where you work. For example, does your boss select people he/she feels comfortable with -- that they hangs out with? Or do they base decisions based solely on performance? You need to develop that skills that match up with your boss’ expectations. employee

3. Let your boss know you have more to offer. For example during a performance review you can ask, "What more can I do for the organization." Or "What more can I do to make myself more valuable?"

4. Write down a list of your accomplishments. Be very precise and use quantifiable results. Then give the list to your boss for review in advance of your performance review.

5. Tell your boss you’re looking for further training, e.g. a computer course or specialty seminar. Send an unspoken message that you’re interested in moving up the ladder.

6. Get involved in civic or philanthropic activities supported by those at the top of your organization.

7. Show your initiative by recommending new ideas or projects. Send a message to your boss that you have something more of value to offer.

8. Look for ways to make a contribution by volunteering your extra time, e.g. after work hours.

Any guarantee that if you do all these things you’ll get a promotion? No. As you already know, there are no guarantees. But if you’re serious about getting ahead, follow these steps and you can dramatically move the odds in your favor.  job vacancy indonesia 

10 Ways To Use Speaking to Further Your Career Goals

Professional speaking is one of the easiest ways to enhance your career. Opportunities abound; no matter how experienced or inexperienced. The more you speak the better you will become. You will establish a reputation as someone knowledgeable in your field and people will contact you for speaking opportunities as a result.
 job vacancy indonesia 
Everyone has to start somewhere. Here are 10 ways learning to be a speaker can enhance your career.
1. When you speak you automatically assume the role of an expert. People are coming to hear what you say, right? That routinely positions you in the role of an expert. The more credentials you add to your "expert" status the more valuable you become.
2. Speakers get high profile visibility. Look to get your name included in programs, brochures, email announcements, agendas and other handouts, press announcements and online posting of conference materials. This is especially important when you are starting out and are not being paid. Ask up front what type of PR they will be doing for the event. NOTE: Pay attention to important submission deadlines.
. As a speaker, you get to meet other colleagues and associates. It?s a place where you can chat up your competition without any repercussions. Look to see who's on the agenda and make sure to meet as many other speakers as you can. Ask them to keep you in mind at other events where they might be speaking.
4. Speaking can open doors to people you want to meet. It?s easy to pick up the phone and ask someone to come to your event or send them an email invitation. Even if they can't attend it will position you as someone of note. It?s also a great way to follow up with a copy of your name in print as an expert on the program.
5. The media looks for speakers at conferences and events as potential interviews. Make a point of introducing yourself to the media. It gives you an excellent way to follow up for future conversations. Add the media to your master press list and send them announcement any time you are speaking. Note: employee Don't just blast a boring announcement. Spice it up with some clever opening subject line.
6. Speaking enables you to come back with report on other events and activities. Make sure you listen to the other speakers not only as a benchmark to your expertise but to learn something new. If you are an employee, be sure and follow up your presentation with a report to your boss. Send a note to associates on anything you found of interest.
7. Often you can attend other sessions free of charge. Take advantage of this opportunity. Some times conferences are running concurrent tracts. Maximize your time there.
8. As a speaker you get face time with executives that you may not any other way. The higher the level of conference, the higher the level of attendee. You may use this as a vehicle to meet someone you have been trying to track down. Note: After is better than before. Also use the networking sessions which are commonplace to work the attendees and speakers
9. Recruiters are always on the lookout for high profile candidates. If you are in the market for a job, this is an excellent way to have the best jobs (through a recruiter) seek you out. It showcases your expertise in the best possible way. Don't be surprised when colleagues call you because they have seen your name showcased in print.
10. Look for an angle to market yourself for free exposure. If there is no money form the engagement, look for other ways to make up for it: a free booth, a place to sell your stuff, additional days at the hotel at the staff rate, discounts for attendees.
Remember, no matter what the opportunity look for the way to spin the exposure to showcase yourself in the best light possible.
Give yourself a gift that will last a lifetime... a Packaging Coach. One-on-one coaching is not in everyone's budget. That is why I have packaged my proven steps to get you started building your brand. That's my specialty: PACKAGING PEOPLE. I have transformed my own brand from anonymity to world recognized authority. I can teach you how to do the same. vacancy

Your Most Important Asset

When you're looking to get hired or get promoted, what do you think is your most important asset? Your experience? Knowledge? Skill? Talent?

While all of those are advantages that will help you achieve your goals, there's one thing that's more important than all of them combined.

> job vacancy indonesia 

Your attitude!

I attended a board meeting recently. It should've been spelled "bored." Just about everyone's eyes were glazed over or nearly closed with fatigue as one dull presentation after another was foisted upon the board members, staff and audience. 

Then something changed.

Someone who had never spoken at a board meeting before got up, went to the lectern, fired up her PowerPoint presentation, and totally blew everyone away!

People perked up in their seats and listened attentively to her every word.

When she was done, people clapped! (If you've ever attended a public agency board meeting before, you'll know how remarkable that is!) The board president said, "I've seen hundreds of presentations. This is the first time I've ever seen one that elicited applause!"

Was this presenter more experienced, more knowledgeable, more skilled or more talented than all the others? Absolutely not. As a fairly new employee, she was actually inferior in all of those areas.

What made the difference? Her attitude.  >vacancy  

She was enthusiastic, positive, upbeat, energetic and truly excited about what she was talking about!

It wasn't the quality of her presentation that impressed people, it was how she made them feel. Her enthusiasm was contagious, so the audience greatly enjoyed listening to facts and figures that, presented by someone without her energetic attitude, would've bored them to tears.

Everyone in that room will remember and think very highly of her--not the more experienced, knowledgeable, skilled or talented presenters--because of her attitude.

You know why companies conduct time-consuming, labor-intensive job interviews instead of simply hiring people based on the qualifications presented in their resumes? One of the reasons is to find someone they'll enjoy working with.

This can only be conveyed in person, by your attitude.

Think of your own co-workers. Who do you enjoy working with? The smart guy who has all the answers but acts superior? The woman who has the most experience but whines or complains whenever she's asked to do something in a new way?

Or the person who always smiles, listens to you, stays positive, friendly and supportive no matter what? > employee

What To Do When Your Boss Is a Jerk

I've never worked for a boss I didn't like or respect. Sure, some were better than others, but I never considered quitting my job because of a bad boss. Unfortunately, many employees aren't so lucky.

If your boss is a total jerk, someone you'll never get along with, admire or respect no matter how hard you try, there are a few things you can do.

Wait. Is your boss close to retirement or promotion--or even better--termination? If so, try to bide your time and wait until that happy event happens. 

> job vacancy indonesia  

Bite your tongue. Keeping anger and frustration bottled up inside is not healthy, but neither is complaining about your boss at work. So if your family can tolerate it, vent at home instead. It'll make you feel better even if it does nothing to help your situation. It may be tempting to complain about your boss at work, especially if coworkers are talking about the same problems. But resist that temptation! If your boss finds out that you are complaining about him, he'll have a legitimate reason to take appropriate action against you and make your life under him worse than it already is.
Continue to work hard. Regardless of how your boss treats you, it's in your best self-interest to continue doing your job to the best of your ability. Stay focused and think about how your efforts are helping the company as a whole. If you do a good job, you may get noticed by your boss's colleagues or even his superiors. Maybe a better opportunity will arise.
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Try to improve your relationship. If your boss is a complete jerk, this may be impossible no matter what you do. But if he's only a partial jerk, perhaps it would be worth your time to try to make the situation better. After all, this person may have control over your advancement up the career ladder. And while quitting may seem to be the easiest thing to do, searching for another job, having to explain why you left your last one, and struggling to get a decent reference from an ex-jerk-boss may make leaving a difficult option for you. Instead, swallow your pride and try to understand your boss's management style and personality and adapt yourself to that. For instance, if he's a micromanager, give him constant updates and details on what you're doing (even if you think it's a waste of your time and he should just trust you to do your job).
Effective communication is very important, and it works both ways. If your boss is unclear in telling you what he wants, ask questions until you know exactly what's expected. During performance evaluations or one-on-one discussions, ask him what you can do to meet his expectations.
Go over your boss's head. This is rarely a good idea. But if you've tried everything else, and you feel that your boss is making serious mistakes that affect the company (and not just you), consider talking to his superior. If you take this route, be prepared with specific examples and proof, not just accusations. And realize that this tactic may backfire on you (especially if your boss's boss is also a jerk).
> employee

8 Interview Mistakes and How to Recover

There are big interviewing mistakes and there are little mistakes that you can make as a candidate during the interview. Some are universal. However, some mistakes that would be a big deal at one firm might be considered a little mistake at another. Nevertheless, be mindful of not making the most common of mistakes we see a lot of interviewees make. If you find yourself making one of these following mistakes here is what I recommend for damage control.

> job vacancy indonesia  

I must interject that, of course, the best advice is to not make these mistakes. But, from time-to-time mistakes happen. Many people get nervous during an interview and make mistakes they otherwise never would. So with the spirit of knowing that mistakes happen, let's deal with the most common ones one at a time.

1. Forgetting the name of your interviewer There are several levels of mistakes for this one. Before the interview and during the interview of course, and then there are those panel interviews where forgetting names can really fluster you.

Before the interview Check your notes, did you write it down anywhere? If you have a recruiter simply call and ask. If not check the online directory/contact us page. If not there call the company/receptionist/secretary and ask. You can simply tell them that you have an interview and misplaced your note with the name of the person you are interviewing with.

During the interview This is also going to be easy because you are going to use this tip when you go into your interview. Write the name of the person and title on a note card. Keep it in your inside jacket pocket or purse. Read it before you go in for the interview (many times pending your memory). Make sure that you say their name out loud when you meet them to help sear it into your skull. If you forget their name during the interview simply pull out the card and write a pretend note (as you see the name). If the interview format allows for note taking then simply have their name and title on the note page for easy reference.

Panel interviews A good technique is to be prepared to start taking notes immediately when the interview starts. When you meet everyone write their first name down in the position they are in the room to you onto the paper while their names are fresh in your mind. If you did not get all their names write a line or circle in the position where the interviewer is that you have forgotten their name. Pay attention to see if one of the other interviewers use their name and if so simply write it on the line or within the circle. You can easily glance at this "chart" without anyone noticing and with confidence use each interviewer's name as you address their questions. If you have one that you just can't get their name overcompensate a little (not a lot) with focused eye contact with that individual. > vacancy   

2. Mispronouncing an important word If you find yourself starting to say a word and it occurs to you that you have drawn a blank on the correct pronunciation of the word and you know you're about to butcher it then stop. Don't say the rest of the word. Act like that wasn't actually the word you wanted to use by pausing and then using a different word that conveys as close to the meaning of the word you blanked on as you can quickly draw upon. This is much better than totally mispronouncing the word. If you were unable to stop yourself or did not realize you butchered it until after it left your mouth then simply say something along the lines of, "That did not come out right did it? What I meant to say is..." Don't dwell on it. Don't bring the interviewers focus anymore to it.

3. Your stain is singing I love the commercial with Tide-to-Go of the person in the interview that has a stain on his shirt and it is so loud that it is all the interviewer can hear. I think it's pretty funny because it is so true.

You spilled something on yourself and have a nice stain to show for it or ripped your panty hose or any other clothing disaster then try to hide it. If you can't hide it then don't try to hide it. What I mean by that is if the stain is obvious then make sure you acknowledge it! Don't just act like it's not there. Point it out by saying something like, "It figures I would spill something on myself the day of an interview". Or, use humor and say something like, "I realize in hindsight that the food fight I started at lunch probably wasn't the best idea." It is better to acknowledge the spot than to pretend like it's not there and let the interviewer think that you don't know you have a giant coffee stain on your shirt. Smile, acknowledge and move on.

4. Using verbal crutches It's natural when a person gets nervous or excited to more heavily rely on verbal crutches than they normally would in just about any other conversation they have. Using words like "um" and "like" and "uh" every other word or at the beginning or end of every sentence is a mistake you need to be cognitive of because it is much more noticeable than you think. The people overly using these crutches typically don't realize it. So pay attention. If you notice yourself making this mistake then simply slow down, regain your verbal composure and try to focus a bit more on tightening up your sentences.

5. Stepping over your words It is easy to get tongue tied sometimes. When this happens just pause for one second, take the next sentence you want to say and articulate it and then take it sentence from sentence from there until you are back in your groove.

6. You're late One of the biggies. If you are going to be more than 10 minutes late call your interviewer and let them know when you are going to arrive and apologize. If you are going to be more than 10 minutes late ask if they would still like to interview you or if you should still come in or reschedule. Convey that you know their time is valuable (even though they are not going to perceive this by your actions) and give the important reason why you are late. Once you arrive apologize for being late and then let the issue subside, don't dwell on it.

7. Can't pronounce your interviewer's name Call before your interview and ask the receptionist or call the company directory to check and see if the names are verbally listed. If you are working with a recruiter, have them tell you or find out for you. A good trick is to call the person after business hours and listen to see if their name is on their voice mail. If all else fails be the first to introduce your name when you stick out your hand to shake theirs they will naturally respond with telling you their name and therefore how to pronounce it. If that doesn't work simply ask, "Am I pronouncing your name correctly?"

8. Overreacting to your interviewer's pessimism Many interviewers will act like they don't care much for you just to see how you will act in an uncomfortable situation. Depending on the kind of position you are interviewing for you might even have the interviewer try to "scare you off" by overemphasizing the negatives of the position and your qualifications for it. This is not uncommon with sales type positions. This is used as a test by some interviewers to see how much you want this job and how well you overcome objections. Their reasoning is if they can scare you away so easily you're not the right person for the job. If you want the job don't make the mistake of being scared off. Ask about the positive aspects of the position. Explain that you know nothing good comes easy in a career and you are willing to pay the dues to be successful.

Follow up When you send a thank you letter run damage control on any problems that occurred during your interview. Focus on major issues, not the small stuff. Simply acknowledge it and that's it. Don't write a paragraph explaining the details.
So we all make mistakes The important thing to remember is to not let your interviewing mistake get to you. Keep your composure. Have a relaxed attitude and as much as possible a good sense of humor about it. It's possible, and I have seen it happen on numerous occasions, that showing the interviewer how you handle and recover from a mistake shows them just the side of you that they are looking for and ends up playing to your advantage.

> employee  

5 Tips To Excel At Interviewing

Currently, for my day job, I work on contract to develop software. Most of my contracts run months, not years so I have ample opportunity to go in to a company and interview for a position. In addition, I am asked on occasion to take part in an interview to help a client determine if a prospective developer would be a good fit for the organization.

So having sat on both sides of the table, with a frequency higher than most, I was asked by a client to come up with a short list of tips for interviewing. This short list of five tips will help you get an edge in your interview.

> job vacancy indonesia 

Tip #1 - Understand what you are doing there (an interview goes two ways)

This is the one tip that will influence all the others. What is an interview? Inter- as in intersection, interruption, and even Internet. The prefix inter means among or between. There is a bidirectional component. An intersection is where two roads cross, an interruption is where two thoughts cross, the Internet is where our collective networks cross. And an interview is where our views of each other cross.

Many people lose this perspective when interviewing. I think I'm going into an examination and being judged on whether I'm good enough to get the job. This is only partially true. The other half of the event is that I'm "viewing" them. I am deciding if this is a place I want to work and I can contribute with my talents and time to be a happy and productive partner.

So I'm going to be viewing very closely this hiring manager, the surroundings, the technical interviewer, the process they use, the tests they may give - everything I can to help me determine if this place is for me. I'm going to kick the tires. I'm not a lab rat in this process, I'm a participant in an inter-view.

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Tip #2 - Be prepared (you've got to know what you want to know)

The last time you bought a car, did you just pull up at a dealer, walk around the lot and point at a car as the salesmen came running out to help you and just say, "I'll take that one over there in the corner?" Of course not. You probably looked at models, prices, fuel efficiency, comfort and amenities, horsepower, and safety features, oh don't forget the color, and maybe even more.

Knowing that I am making a decision about my potential hire, I don't want to go in unprepared. What am I looking for? Does this company do meaningful work? Will I be doing something that interests me? Or am I just looking to get a paycheck and hoping nobody notices me. I need to take a little time to decide what I'm looking for and actually ask about the situation and environment I'd be in.

For example, I've been put in places where contractors share a cubicle. It's a tight place to begin with, and I'd want to know who my bunk mate is before such a voyage. I've been at places where I worked in a meeting room with 6 other developers shoulder to shoulder around a big table with laptops. It's always fun when somebody takes a phone call, because we all get to listen in! I've even sat at a small table in the copy room where the faxes practically floated down onto my keyboard. At one place I came to work and didn't have a computer or even a chair, I sat on my desk for the first week reading manuals. And at another place I was given a box with my desk ready to assemble. We spent two days with electric drills assembling our desks before we could start working! If I wanted that, I would've been a handyman (which I'm not!). If I'm going to work somewhere - even for a few months - I want to see where I will be sitting.

What's important to you? The location, some of the other people? If you get a chance, stop and ask a future colleague what they think, how they're liking it. Don't expect the whole truth, but if you listen, you can get enough of a clue.

So be prepared for your interview with some questions and an idea of what you are looking for.

Tip #3 - Don't sweat it (everybody's nervous if you pay attention)

I'm always surprised how nervous people get in interviews. I guess I shouldn't be, I get fairly nervous myself. And as a person who often suffers from sweaty palms, that first handshake can really make me on edge. But a chuck to the shoulder or a parade float style wave just aren't acceptable, and a friendly hug is right out of the question! So just get used to the fact that you are going to be some degree of nervous.

But again - this is an interview. Stop and look at your interviewer, they're a little nervous themselves. They come in and shuffle through your resume. They have a stack of 50 on their desk and they have to talk to you like they know a little about you, that's stressful. They are usually meeting with you because they have a position they need filled. They have a need and it's not currently being met, this is stressful. They probably needed to fill this spot weeks ago and it got to the point where they had to get going on this, time is of the essence and stress is piling up.

So, understand and accept that you will be nervous, but it's not too hard to see the signs from your co-interviewers, that they are nervous as well. This can be a great comfort knowing that you're all in this together.

Tip #4 - Making a first impression... on purpose

As I've said, you are viewing them, so they are giving you a first impression. You need to pay attention and get the full benefit of what they have to offer. But you are also making your first impression and you should take some time to put your best foot forward.

They say, "You never get a second chance to make a first impression." But often we don't know when we are going to have that first encounter. You bump into a friend while out running errands and they introduce you to their friend who they've "told all about you." There you are - BOOM - a first impression, hope you were ready!

Interviews are very convenient in that you know you are going there to make a first impression. So make it count. Look your best, be confident, be excited for the new possibilities this opportunity may present to you - this day could change your life! For me moving from no paycheck to having a paycheck is a major difference that impacts my whole family. So I need to take advantage and get on edge and use the fact that this is my first impression for all it's worth.

 > employee  

Your Interview Environment: More Than Just the Interview

Most job seekers think the interview begins the moment they stand up to greet the person interviewing them. This is false. An interview is a two-way street, so your interview should begin the moment you walk through the company’s door. In your haste to make a good impression, don’t forget to keep your eyes open and your senses tuned to what’s taking place around you.

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Most job seekers think the interview begins the moment they stand up to greet the person interviewing them. This is false. An interview is a two-way street, so your interview should begin the moment you walk through the company’s door. In your haste to make a good impression, don’t forget to keep your eyes open and your senses tuned to what’s taking place around you.

> employee    

Is there a receptionist? How is the phone answered? Do any employees wander out to ask the receptionist a question? Are they terse or chatty? Do they scuttle away quickly when your interviewer appears? And do you find yourself smiling at what’s going on around you, or becoming even more nervous than you were when you came in the door?

On your way to the interviewer’s office, odds are you’ll be walking through some part of the company. Notice what’s going on around you. Are people jovially discussing different projects? Or intently bent over their computers, silently at work? Do you hear laughter? How are the employees moving from one place to another? What is their interaction like?

Depending on your awareness level, you may or may not pick these cues up cognitively, but you are registering them nonetheless. So the main question here is: while you’ve been waiting, and as you walk through the company to the interviewer’s office, how do you feel? And is that feeling agreeable to you? For instance, silence or conversational buzz is neither good nor bad. What’s important is how you feel about it and whether you can work in that environment.

What if your interviewer forgot he had an appointment with you? Does he apologize and reschedule? Stop what he’s doing and conduct the interview anyway? If you have meetings with multiple people, does someone bring you to the next office?

One person I know was conducting her own job search. Having passed the screening interview, she was to meet with all four of the company’s principles in the same afternoon. The first one was out of town. The second one was rude and insulting. The third one made her wait. She actually stayed to interview with the fourth one! The time to leave was somewhere during – or certainly after – the second interview. Why they brought her back for these interviews is another subject entirely.

In a more functional environment, she would have been written in on each principal’s calendar and anticipated. The secretary/receptionist would have offered her something to drink. She would have been led to each person’s office, instead of having been pointed toward the office of the next principal.

Factors other than the people who work there are important too. What’s the light source? Is it artificial or are there windows? Will you have an office or a cubicle? What floor will you be on? If you don’t have visual access to the outside, will that affect your emotional level and thus your work?

When you walk into a company you form an impression almost instantly, in the same way you do when you enter a strange room or party, or meet a new person. That impression comes from the energy level you are picking up subconsciously. It sends a signal to your gut – thus your “gut instinct” about what’s going on, even though you might not be able to pinpoint any specifics.

Although it’s wise to pay attention to the details, if your concentration during the interview was focused on what you learned during the conversation, it doesn’t matter. Because while you were paying attention to the larger cues, your gut instinct picked up the smaller ones – and it’s often the small ones that are telling. Whatever that gut instinct is telling you – trust it – especially if you’re getting a bad vibe. It can be the difference between happiness and misery a few months down the line.

> job vacancy indonesia  

Career Advancement: Are You Ready To Be Promoted?

Promotion is one of those things almost everyone wants after a successful job search. But no one is bold enough to ask for it.

If you’re determined to get ahead after a successful job search and are willing to follow some simple steps, you can move the odds of a promotion significantly in your favor.

Job Vacancy Indonesia 1. Under NO circumstances do you ever ask for a promotion!

2. Get yourself a mentor. Someone a level or two above you that you feel comfortable with . . . with whom you can talk and get advice.

3. Determine the factors that go into promotions where you work. For example, does your boss select people he/she feels comfortable with -- that they hangs out with? Or do they base decisions based solely on performance? You need to develop that skills that match up with your boss’ expectations.

3. Let your boss know you have more to offer. For example during a performance review you can ask, "What more can I do for the organization." Or "What more can I do to make myself more valuable?"

4. Write down a list of your accomplishments. Be very precise and use quantifiable results. Then give the list to your boss for review in advance of your performance review.

5. Tell your boss you’re looking for further training, e.g. a computer course or specialty seminar. Send an unspoken message that you’re interested in moving up the ladder.

6. Get involved in civic or philanthropic activities supported by those at the top of your organization.

7. Show your initiative by recommending new ideas or projects. Send a message to your boss that you have something more of value to offer.

Vacancy 

Always Wanted to be a Police Officer?

Job Vacancy Indonesia, Employee, Vacancy

You've decided this is the path you want to take. You've watched enough NYPD Blue and COPS to know this is the life for you. What do you do now?

Dig In:

Call your local police force or your local RCMP detachment. Ask to go on a ride-along. This will give you a better understanding of the job. What you don't see on NYPD Blue you might get to experience on your ride-along. 

Talk To Those on the Job:

Get to know your local police officers. Make some contacts at the station by telling them you're interested in the job and in pursuing a career in it. Ask them what they like about, what they dislike, what skills they needed, how they got into it, what skills they think you should have, and anything else you can come up with.

Decide on Which Force to Join:

If you are interested in local police in your town or municipality, check their websites or give them a call to see what qualifications you need to work as a police officer for your town or city. Ask them how many officers they have hired lately and how they see their needs in the future. Education requirements differ from city to city. Some will require you to have a policing course completed. Some hire you first and send you to a police college. As well, many colleges and universities offer preparatory courses to help you get into policing. Ask the force what they are looking for as this could save you a lot of time and money.

If you are interested in joining the RCMP, they have a detailed requirement of what they need. First, you must attend a training session. They are held throughout the country. Contact your local detachment for information on the next available training session. Then you must write the RCMP Police Aptitude Test, do the Physical Abilities Requirement Evaluation (called PARE, which is used by most police agencies in Canada), then a series of tests, investigations, and evaluations are performed. If you are successful, you will be selected to enroll in the cadet training program at RCMP Depot in Regina, Saskatchewan. 

Get Ready:

The process to join a police force can be intense. You've got to be prepared to deal with physical fitness testing, personality and aptitude testing, background checks, and lots of paperwork.

Policing can be a satifying and rewarding career. A little research now will help you prepare yourself and get you closer to fulfilling your goal.

Dressing For Success At Your Job Interview

Job Vacancy Indonesia, Employee, Vacancy

Have you got a job interview coming up and you're not quite sure what to wear?

Here are some tips to help you achieve a professional, polished look.

Stay Away From Scents:

Many offices now have a scent-free policy prohibiting workers and even visitors from wearing perfumes, colognes, and very odorous deodorants. Even if they don't, you should refrain from wearing scents when interviewing. This goes for men and women. Many people are irritated by odours and others might have mental associations with certain odours. A perfume can quickly remind them of someone they dislike. You want to be a blank slate, where only what you have to say, your experience, and your skills do the talking for you.

Dress Comfortably:

You don't want to look uncomfortable and ill at ease in what you're wearing. That being said, you should have a polished professional look. You've heard the expression "Dress for the job you want to do." You should go one step further. You should dress for the job that you want, but a touch more dressy. A good standard for a management job interview is a nice traditional dark suit, with a clean, pressed dress shirt and co-ordinating tie. Remember to wear comfortable dress shoes with dark dress socks. If you don't wear suits often, try on your outfit a few days in advance to make sure everything still fits from the last time you wore it.

For women, the same standard applies. Remember that you want to project a professional image. A good standard to go by is a nice fitted suit jacket in a neutral color like navy with either matching pants or skirt with an unfussy neutral blouse. Your shoes should be classic and just blend into your outfit. Don't forget plain pantyhose.

It's important to be comfortable as this helps you look confident and successful.

Don't Stick Out:

Interviews aren't usually the time to make a loud, personal fashion statement. Of course, you can certainly inject your own flair and style into your outfit. And for some job interviews in the creative fields, flair is a great thing. But make sure it isn't inappropriate. Get a friend's advice if you aren't sure. Sometimes we get used to wearing a certain style and we don't realize that perhaps, the trend has passed. It's important to stick with the basics and to be professional. The whole point of the interview is to get across how qualified you are, how your skills will be a great fit for the company you are applying for. Don't give them anything to remember you by but your content.

When interviewing, wear clothes that are or appear new. Women shouldn't wear clothes that show cleavage, skirts that are cut too short, see-through tops, or very high-heeled shoes.

Of course, we want to look our best at an interview. Women should refrain from wearing loud makeup. Everything should blend in nicely and your makeup should not be so dramatic that it distracts your interviewer.

Hygiene:

Remember to look and smell nice to be around. Enough said.

Before Your Interview:

• Try on everything a few days before to make sure everything fits as it should. Snip off any stray threads from your clothes and mend any loose buttons or snaps. You don't want something coming apart unexpectedly.
• The night before, press anything that needs pressing. Don't wait until the day of, in case your iron doesn't work properly, or you burn something accidentally.
• Take an extra few minutes to quickly polish your shoes.
• De-lint your outfit, especially if you have pets in your home.
• Get a haircut a couple of days before. This gives you extra time to correct any problems in case it doesn't turn out the way you were expecting.
• Before you leave the house, take off one accessory. We tend to overdo garnishes when we are nervous and dressing up. Keep jewellery to a minimum - a wedding band (if applicable) or a ring, and a subtle watch, and plain earrings for women.
• Women, bring an extra pair of pantyhose with you.

If you have any doubts about wearing a certain outfit, piece of clothing, or item of jewellery at an interview, leave it at home. Following these simple steps, should help you feel confident, prepared, and polished for your interview. Good luck!

Always Wanted to be a Police Officer?

By Canadajobs.com Staff

By Sara Parent

job, jobs, career

You've decided this is the path you want to take. You've watched enough NYPD Blue and COPS to know this is the life for you. What do you do now?

Dig In:

Call your local police force or your local RCMP detachment. Ask to go on a ride-along. This will give you a better understanding of the job. What you don't see on NYPD Blue you might get to experience on your ride-along.

Talk To Those on the Job:

Get to know your local police officers. Make some contacts at the station by telling them you're interested in the job and in pursuing a career in it. Ask them what they like about, what they dislike, what skills they needed, how they got into it, what skills they think you should have, and anything else you can come up with.

Decide on Which Force to Join:

If you are interested in local police in your town or municipality, check their websites or give them a call to see what qualifications you need to work as a police officer for your town or city. Ask them how many officers they have hired lately and how they see their needs in the future. Education requirements differ from city to city. Some will require you to have a policing course completed. Some hire you first and send you to a police college. As well, many colleges and universities offer preparatory courses to help you get into policing. Ask the force what they are looking for as this could save you a lot of time and money.

If you are interested in joining the RCMP, they have a detailed requirement of what they need. First, you must attend a training session. They are held throughout the country. Contact your local detachment for information on the next available training session. Then you must write the RCMP Police Aptitude Test, do the Physical Abilities Requirement Evaluation (called PARE, which is used by most police agencies in Canada), then a series of tests, investigations, and evaluations are performed. If you are successful, you will be selected to enroll in the cadet training program at RCMP Depot in Regina, Saskatchewan.

Get Ready:

The process to join a police force can be intense. You've got to be prepared to deal with physical fitness testing, personality and aptitude testing, background checks, and lots of paperwork.

Policing can be a satifying and rewarding career. A little research now will help you prepare yourself and get you closer to fulfilling your goal.

Working At Home? Five Things You Can't Be Without

By Canadajobs.com Staff

job, jobs, career

You've decided to make your home your new home base. Whether you've decided to launch a new business or your job allows you to telecommute from home, there are some basic things you should keep in mind when working from home.

A Designated Space:

You need space to work from home. A desk in the living room is not going to do it. You need to be able to shut the door and be in a separate area that will allow you to be free from distractions. This also helps for the times when you are not working. Since you will be at home most of your life, you need to be able to shut the door and get away when you are not working. Have a separate space allows you to do that.

Investment:

It doesn't need to be a huge amount, but working from home will cost you. You will need your office to be set up with internet access, a separate phone line, and basic office necessities like a filing area, a workstation, a computer, and a quality chair. If you aren't comfortable, and you don't have the tools you need to work, you will likely be frustrated and have trouble concentrating on your work.

Discipline:

Working from home takes strong discipline and concentration. There are many distractions tempting and luring you away from your office. There's television, the fridge, kids, housework, pets and many more. You must make a work schedule, just as you would with any other job. Take breaks, but stick to your schedule. You must remember that when you work unsupervised, only you are responsible for the work you do. If you are the type of person that needs constant supervision and reminders to focus and work, this arrangement may not be for you.

Support:

When you are working in your office, your family and friends need to respect and understand that you are as unavailable as you would be if you were working from an office downtown. Of course, you have added flexibility and you can certainly allow for more family time than if you were working at another location, but they must understand that when you are in your office, you are working. Make sure family members know not to barge in unannouced, not to make loud noises in other parts of the house, and not cause other distractions that will prevent you from working. Keep pets in another part of the house if you know they will be a distraction.

Commitment:

With all the effort it takes to set up a home office, you need to be sure it's exactly what you want. If you can, try it out a few times a month with your employer before committing to full-time telecommuting. It's easy to forget about social interaction, and for some people, it's a critical part of the workday. You might feel alienated from your work environment and have difficulty in keeping a team outlook. If you are going to be working for yourself, you will not have any office-type support when problems arise or you need questions answered. Make sure you have a good support system and consider joining an association of self-employed work-at-home people.

Working from home can be a satifying way of redefining your worklife. With some careful planning and investment, it may be the best move you'll make.

Want to Run Away and Join the Circus?

By Canadajobs.com Staff

job, jobs, career

Are you artistic, creative, and driven to entertain others? Never thought you could make a living as a performer? Think again.

You really can make a career out of whatever your heart is set on. Take the example of Cirque Du Soleil. With shows touring around the world, Cirque Du Soleil hires artists of every type imaginable. A quick tour of their website reveals they are looking for singers, actors, musicians, circus artists like contortionists and strongmen, and various athletes skilled in gymnastic sports like trampoline, tumbling, and synchronize swimming.

Not so limber? Cirque also hires "offstage" staff to support their artists. Everything from physiotherapists to talent scouts to immigration specialists and technical personnel. So even if you aren't an entertainer, you can still join the circus!

Ever considered working at an amusement park? Theme parks such as Paramount Canada's Wonderland hire performers, technicians, and artists to entertain their visitors every summer. Because most of these jobs are seasonal, they're perfect for students or those wanting to try out a career in entertainment.

If you love travelling or living abroad and you're artistic, why not consider working at a resort like Club Med? They hire artists like choreographers, set designers, dance instructors, and DJs to entertain their visitors. Many of their jobs are posted here on Canadajobs.com.

If you have the dedication, drive, and enthusiasm, you can find a career doing something you love. You can fulfill the artist in you by finding a job that's different and exciting. It just takes creativity, self-confidence, and the ability to look beyond traditional work environments.

Do You Have What It Takes to Work in Farming or Agriculture?

By Canadajobs.com Staff

job, jobs, career

Have you been considering a career in farming? Whether you are looking at traditional types of farming such as dairy, cattle, or chicken, or whether you are considering organic vegetables or a vineyard, farming takes a special kind of person.

Up With The Chickens:

Let's face it, agriculture is a lot of hard work. And that work starts early. If you prefer to roll out of bed later than earlier, this might not be the job for you. There is no sleeping in on the weekends either. Depending on the type of farm you operate, you could be working 14-16 hour days.

Able to Handle Stress?:

Working in agriculture can be stressful because there are a lot of things that are beyond your control.

Animals get sick, the weather can damage crops, and prices for your product can fluctuate. You must be able to handle stresses and have the determination to forge ahead. If frost comes early and you have to remove your product from the ground as soon as possible, you must be able to work under pressure and have the ability to remain calm.

Determination:

When the price for your crop or product is on the decline, you have to be able to rationally determine if your business can take it. You have to be the type of person who can see ahead and decide if the risks are worth it. In agriculture, you are at the mercy of the elements, product price fluctuations, and public opinion. You must have a strong belief in your ability to produce a safe and valuable product. Farming is about creating and continuing the food supply in some form or another and with everything that can get in your path, you will need determination.

Energy:

Working at a farm takes energy. Along with the early mornings, there are rarely any vacations. Cows must be milked usually twice a day and you can't skip any milkings. Animals must be taken care of if they become sick, whether it's Friday night or not. The life of a farmer is 24 hours a day and 7 days a week. And if you are doing it because you love it, you don't mind.

Knowledge:

You have to know your stuff. Whether it's animals you are raising or fruits and vegetables you're growing, you need to be on top of your game. Specialized universities and colleges offer programs in agriculture and they should be seriously investigated. Running a farm is a business. You will need business knowledge to go along with your farm knowledge and experience. On the farm, you will have to be able to do a little bit of everything, so it pays to make sure you know what's involved.

A career in agriculture and farming can be very rewarding. Knowing you are playing a role in getting food and products to people makes it all worthwhile. If you have what it takes and the strong desire to do what needs to be done, farming is a career worth investigating.

Do You Have What it Takes To Work in a Call Centre?

By Canadajobs.com Staff

job, jobs, career

Working in a call centre might seem like an easy job at first glance. It's just about answering phones, right? Wrong. There are many different jobs in call centres. There are Customer Service Reps (CSRs), Technical Service Reps (TSRs), Supervisors, Managers, and Human Resources staff, and many others who work to ensure a call centre, the customer's first line of contact with a company, works as a well-oiled machine.

So what does it take to work in a call centre? Though for this article we'll focus on CSRs, many of these skills are critical in other call centre jobs too.

Ability To Work in a Fast-Paced Environment:

In a call centre, it's all about speed. If you are working in an inbound call centre (meaning call come in to your call centre, as opposed to CSRs making calls) the main focus is how fast can a rep answer a phone. How quickly can they solve a customer's issue? Call times and wait times are how a centre calculates its efficiency, and therefore, it's costs and profits. But call times and wait times aren't just important for the company, they are also important to the customer. That's why it's critical to be able to work under pressure.

Accuracy and Attention to Detail:

The customer is calling you because they have a problem. You must be able to answer their inquiry quickly and correctly so their faith and trust in your company is upheld. It's important to the company you work for that their customers aren't frustrated. These customers are the backbone of your company, and they need to have faith that their call is being handled professionally and correctly and that they will get the same correct answer if they call next time. Accurate consistency is critical. And for that, you need to be the type of person who can learn and retain information.

Ability to Learn New Skills:

Products and services change constantly. And though the basics will remain the same, you need to be on top of new things. The last thing a customer wants to do is be calling you for answers and you don't know what they're talking about. You also have to be willing to learn computer programs or software unique to your call centre. Call centres have a lot of processes and you must be able to learn how those work so you can work more efficiently, and better serve customers.

Learning new skills such as another language can also help your job prospects in a call centre. Many list the ability to speak a second language as an asset.

Ability to Deal with Difficult People:

More often than not, customers will call because they have a problem and they want you to fix it right away. If you cannot show empathy, and support them in their frustrations, they will get increasingly upset. You must be able to deal with difficult people and know how to handle and diffuse them. Consider taking a course on the subject. You'll learn how to improve your listening skills, and learn little tricks as simple as repeating back what you hear from your customer. This helps them feel listened to, understood, and in the end, it helps them feel better. The more ability you have in dealing with difficult people, the better you will feel also.

Flexibility:

Though a call centre can be a great 9-5 job, most of them require you to work some shift work. And this or may not fit your schedule. When you decide to apply for a job at a call centre, make sure you know what you are able to do in terms of shift work. If you have dependents, you will need to make alternate care arrangements. Remember too that changing shifts can affect your sleep patterns and your activities outside work hours.

The nature of call centres can also mean that you can be called in at the last minute. You might also be sent home if there is not enough work. If this is a concern for you, ask how often this happens when you are considering a job in a call centre.

Working in a call centre as a CSR can be a satifying job. Often, opportunities to move up to a team leader or scheduler can be had with the work experience you gain starting at the bottom. If you have the right skills and the desire to improve them, a career as a CSR might well be worth investigating.

Interested in Becoming a Chef?

By Canadajobs.com Staff

job, jobs, career

Have you got a flair for the artistic and enjoy cooking for others?

If the thought of becoming a chef is appealing to you, you should consider these tips and find out what it takes to be a chef.

Try it Out:

Before you invest in training, spend a day with a chef. Contact a local culinary school and express your interest in this as a future career. Tell them you'd like to observe someone for a day. They will likely be able to contact someone who would be open to showing you their job. Keep in mind that most restaurants are busy, stressful, fast-paced environments, so it's probably better to go the route of the culinary school, as opposed to contacting restaurants directly. Of course, you can certainly try contacting restaurants directly, especially if you know the owner or staff.

Prepare to Learn:

Working your way up is a combination of training, apprenticeships, and certification. And whether you are interested in becoming an executive chef, a chef de partie, or a sous-chef, it will take years of on-the- job training and the ability to take in and retain a lot of information. Executive chefs, as well as other types of chefs will also need the ability to be managers and supervisors as they direct the kitchen staff and are responsible for assigning tasks in the kitchen.

Critical Skills:

Being a chef is not just about preparing sumptuous foods. You should have above average communication skills, the ability to remain calm under pressure, be detail-oriented, and creative. Working in a kitchen environment can be fast-paced, stressful, and requires the ability to work quickly and accurately. As you learn the skills, if you want to move up the chef ladder, you will also need managerial skills, computer skills, and food cost control and financial skills.

Wait! There's More:

You'll also need to be physically able to work on your feet for long periods of time. Chef work is physical work, from carrying heavy pots to chopping, kneading, mixing, and more.

You need to be aware of food safety and be conscientious in your work environment. You need to know how to properly handle your tools safely like knives, mixers, and chopping tools.

You'll also need to be willing to learn about various types of cuisines, and depending on your specialty, different types of foods. You also need to be able to adapt your skills to the various work environments that exist. If you want to work in a five-star restaurant, you need to be willing to go out and get five-star restaurant experience.

Flexibility:

There are opportunities for chefs to work in exotic locations. From out-of-the-way resorts and spas to cruise ships, being a chef can be exciting and challenging. If you want to work in different environments, you must be flexible. Often, these locations will provide housing for their chefs and you must be able to live in the accomodations supplied. It takes an open mind and the ability to adapt in order to get the best experience possible.

Becoming a chef can be extremely rewarding and satisfying. There are career opportunities in restaurants and in institutions like hospitals, schools, and seniors' homes. You can also be an entrepreneur and become a personal chef, a television personality, or a restaurant owner. Being prepared and knowing what to expect will help you decide if this career is for you.

Interested in Animation as a Career Choice?

By Canadajobs.com Staff

job, jobs, career

If you're creative and thinking of going to school to study animation, here is some information for you.

What You'll Need:

Most college programs require high school graduation, although mature students without a high school education may be considered. Schools also suggest having math skills, basic computer skills, and sometimes a high school arts credits. Schools vary in terms of requirements, so if you don't have all the necessary courses for a certain college, it might be worth considering another one.

As well, some colleges require a portfolio of drawings to demonstrate your creativity and ability to design both the human form and everyday objects.

What You'll Learn:

At some schools, you'll learn traditional and digital animation. You can choose to focus on either as your education continues. You'll start with the basics of drawing, and move into storyboarding, character animation, scriptwriting for animation, basics of filmmaking, 3D modeling and more. Every program is different, so make sure the one you choose contains all those elements you'd like to learn.

Prepare Yourself:

Start putting together a portfolio. Learn a few of the programs that are taught at the school. If you aren't sure, call the school and inquire what programs they use. Some popular animation programs include Maya, ToonBoom, Eovia's Carrara, and 3DS Max. Though some of these might be very costly to purchase, often you can get trial versions of these programs from the manufacturer's website that let you practice learning the various tools within the program. It's a good idea to start early as some of these programs have a steep learning curve. Some programs, such as Blender and Anim8or, are actually free and let you create stunning designs without having to purchase an expensive program.

After Graduation:

The market for 3D animators is wide and varied. It encompasses a wide range of industries, from working at a production studio, to small animation companies, to ad agencies, to video game manufacturers.

Often, some design companies rely on logos and corporate animations as their "bread and butter." You'd be amazed at how many television commercials and logos are 3D creations.

You could also work at medical design companies, on an animated television series, or a film doing background scenes.

Animation allows you to work on a wide range of projects in various industries. You must be creative, detail-oriented, patient, and have the ability to see the product you are creating before it even gets put to paper or the computer screen. If you enjoy being creative, can work independently, and enjoy bringing characters to life, animation may be a career choice worth considering.

Jobs For Those Who Enjoy Working the Night Shift

By Canadajobs.com Staff

job, jobs, career

Do you like being up late at night? Are you looking for a job that will be more suited to you?

If you are looking for work that is predominately overnights or late evenings, we've got some suggestions for you. The good news is not a lot of people like working late nights and early mornings and companies sometimes offer premiums to work nights. Consider both these entry-level and professional career choices.

Entry Level:

Restaurants and Bars

If you like the nightlife and have great people skills, a good entry-level job might be one related to entertainment. Bars, clubs, and restaurants employ a lot of staff to keep them going late into the night. From bouncers, to cooks, to DJs, and bartenders, a lot of workers help ensure the success of these operations.

Shipping/Receiving

A lot of companies operate at night but we'd never know it. Many warehouses receive stock at night as do places like grocery stores and major department stores. These jobs are great for those who like working late nights.

Consider too working for a courier company. Many jobs at their hubs are overnights.

Call Centres

Many call centres operate 24/7 and need staff overnight. Call centres need phone reps or CSRs, technical support reps, supervisors, and managers. If you enjoy this type of job, look for a call centre that offers a premium for working night shift and that can offer you consistent night shift work.

Professional:

Emergency Workers

If you are looking for a challenging career that operates nights as well, look no further than emergency workers. From electrical and power plant maintenance to police officers, emergency workers are available to work 24/7 and can be in exciting situations whatever the hour. Jobs like these range from EMTs and ambulance personnel, to doctors, nurses, orderlies, and police civilian workers like dispatchers.

Security

Guarding buildings, offices, or money is another job that operates at night as well as daytime. Security officers are often required nights to watch security systems, secure construction and building sites, and provide safety in hospitals, prisons, and bars.

Trucking

Most trucking is done in the evenings and overnight. If you enjoy driving and can work on a deadline, this overnight job might be worth considering.

Media Jobs

From newspaper print staff to hosting the early show on television or radio, a lot of media jobs start very early in the morning. Consider this type of job if you like working with the public, can pay attention to details, and are friendly and motivated.

Entrepreneurship

If none of these jobs interest you, you might want to consider entrepreneurship. Being in business for yourself provides you with some freedom as to what hours you would like to work. Keep in mind that depending on the industry you work in and how many clients or people you interact with, you might have to work around their schedules as well, which might limit your choice of hours. Choosing a business that allows you to be flexible can reduce your need to work on others' schedules.

Many industries rely on night workers for their smooth daytime operations. Whatever you choose, there are a lot of options when it comes to working night shift.

Working in Radio

By Luc Theriault

job, jobs, career

Radio is one of the most widely used media outlets. Its accessibility in cars, alarm clocks, workplaces makes radio easy to listen to. It is also locally oriented, meaning that while television networks are concentrated in larger communities, employment possibilities exist in radio even in the smallest towns.

Though at first glance, people often see the obvious employment possibility in radio broadcasting -- being an on-air personality, employment possibilities range in many areas.

There are a lot of regular office jobs in radio. These include such things as receptionists, accounting personnel, and administrative assistants.

If you are more of a creative person, why not consider putting your talent to work? The creative department writes the ads we hear on the radio while the production department puts them together. The production department also produces station promos and "splitters", the ad messages you hear promoting a radio station's programs or advantages (You're listening to [city's] Best Music!"

If you like coming up with great ideas and are enthusiastic and energetic, there might also be a place for you in a radio station in promotions. The promotions department is very active in a radio station and in the community. In many cases, they'll write the promos and splitters mentioned above. They'll also plan the radio station's contests and they're the ones you'll see in the community in vehicles with the radio station's name on them often handing out some sort of goodies.

There are lots of interesting jobs at a station. If you like sales, radio sales staff are always selling the commercial spots you hear on the radio. If you like news and current events, you can report for a station. Since radio stations are local, this gives you a great opportunity to interact with your local community and really get to know the area well.

Many colleges offer radio broadcasting courses. Check your local community college to see what kind of courses they offer. Entry requirements vary, so be sure to check out a couple of options. Talk to someone currently working in radio and find out what sort of skills they are looking for, and what schools seem to provide new radio grads with the best training.

The field can be very competitive. Since the Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC), the government department responsible for regulating broadcasting systems in Canada, relaxed ownership rules, more stations are merging together now. Because of this, many jobs have become reduntant due to owners having more than one radio station. It is a tough market to get into, but not impossible.

It is said that you can move up more quickly in smaller markets. Once you've acquired that experience you need, you can then go to the larger market. Those who are truly passionate about radio and those who are willing to work hard, can do well in the industry.

In most cases, especially in the entry-level jobs, salaries are not that high, and when you are starting out, many opportunities are part-time. Higher paying positions are in management, on-air morning show hosts, and sales staff.

If you have the energy, the determination, and the drive to make it in radio, it provides a great opporunity to use your communication skills and your personality.

Writing for a Living

By Canadajobs.com Staff

job, jobs, career

If you are considering a career in writing, you've got a lot of choices open to you. You can write for yourself or for others in a variety of different industries. Education in the field of writing is very important. There are rules and conventions on how to write for various industries. If you think this career is for you, getting the proper education is vital. Since you will be judged mainly on your writing skills, they need to be perfect.

Copy and Ad Writer:

If your great at coming up with ideas and you have a creative way of looking at things, a career in ad copy might be for you. Writers in this field work with marketing and ad agencies to write up product descriptions that sell. You can have your work featured on web sites, and ad campaigns that appear in television, print, and on the radio. As well, you could work in the creative department of a radio station, putting together ads for commercials.

Journalism:

If you've got a nose for news, this might be for you. Writing for the news and journalistic reporting requires specific education and training. Many colleges and universities offer journalism programs. You'll learn how to write objectively and with the proper formatting for television, radio, and print reporting. If you are considering this type of career, you need to be detailed oriented, accurate, and be able to work on a deadline. If you've got an interest in people, events, and trends, this can be a very rewarding career. There are opportunities to work in all sorts of media, from small community newspapers and television stations, to overseas assignments for national news organizations and wire services. If you are thinking of a career in journalism, consider learning another language or two. You'll be an attractive asset to an employer.

Writing for Magazines:

As a staff writer, you'll be writing articles on various subjects for a specific magazine. Writing for magazines takes excellent research skills and the ability to write in a style that helps readers relate to the information you provide. If you are interested in this as a career choice, pick up a few magazines and look at the writing style. You'll likely notice that most articles in the magazine are written in the same style, though the subjects of the articles will vary. Magazines are targetted to very specific audiences and you need to adapt your writing style to the audience that a magazine is made for.

The great thing about writing for a magazine (either online or offline) is that you can write what you know. If you are interested in gardening, cooking, animals, there is a magazine out there on nearly every subject. Magazines also hire freelancers.

If you learn basic photography skills, this can also go a long way to helping your writing career as some fields like magazine and journalism often require accompanying photos.

Technical Writing:

If you've got a knack for making the complicated seem easy, technical writing might be for you. Usually, technical writers work for companies such as software or high tech companies and write manuals, handbooks, and guides on how to operate software and programs. If you've got a background in high tech or you can learn computer programs easily, you'll be valuable to a potential employer.

The great thing about writing for a living is that opportunities exist in virtually every area of the country and around the world. From working at a small newspaper in the country, to working in a busy city office writing for a national magazine, writers have a wide spectrum of choices and venues in which to write. Sometimes, it doesn't matter where you are because a lot of writing work can be done by telecommuting. To be a successful writer, you need skills, training, creativity, and the desire to work hard.